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Jimmy Bullard
could play at West Ham |
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Fulham's Jimmy Bullard could make his long-awaited return to the Premier League
on Saturday.
The influential midfielder could figure against West Ham at Upton Park after recovering
ahead of schedule from the career-threatening knee injury suffered in September
2006.
His impending return is especially welcome as the Cottagers face a Premier League
survival dog-fight.
But new
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has insisted he will not rush the 29-year-old back
too soon.
Hodgson said: "Jimmy has played one match for the reserves this week and taken part
in all the sessions.
"He's desperate to get back into first-team action. He would have made himself available
the day after he had the injury if he could!
"But we have to be careful because the competitive side of the game is not something
you get a feel for during training sessions.
"We must be sure his knee will stand up to the pressure of tough tackling and being
tackled when you're off balance. That's our major fear.
"But he's moving on very well and we haven't ruled him out of Saturday completely.
"It's unlikely he'll play because he's ahead of schedule and our medical team have
advised us to be cautious.
"But I'm certain that if I told Jimmy I needed him to play he would be the first
one changed and out on the pitch."
Bullard has only made four appearances for Fulham since his switch from Wigan in
June 2006.